Seeing that their just released second album "Survival" was produced and mastered by super talented Swede Erik Martersson (Eclipse) is enough reason to check STRANGERS, the Spanish, Madrid-based melodic rock / AOR quintet.

We already received Strangers' debut two years ago, but it was almost a home-made demo. Now "Survival" presents a band ready for its international presentation; more professionally recorded, finely produced and with the right artwork.

From the first track "Never Stop" - with a melody recalling the great Alias - you hear a band sounding tight and firmly influenced by the classic '80s waves from the genre."Venom" is catchy and with a strong AOR feeling (pretty British), followed by the hooky "Angel", another solid track. Adding some sax, "Stand By" provides variation in a midtempo way. Here vocalist Oscar O’Brien clearly shows his major influence; Jon Bon Jovi (as on most the record).

On cuts like 'Burning Within', the faster 'Beyond Your Eyes' and the groovier 'Beyond Your Eyes' you can hear Martersson's touch, all songs still melodic but with more bite.'Light' has some Harem Scarem on it, 'Dreamer' is the more Americanized cut on the album (Tyketto), while 'Forever' is the obligatory ballad akin Bon Jovi.

"Survival" is a nice melodic rock / AOR record by Spaniards Strangers with some catchy songs, cool guitar / keys interplay and fine choruses. Though singer Oscar O’Brien has a noticeable accent, his performance is mostly convincing, helped by the bright production and solid arrangements.Welcome Strangers to the world-wide Melodic Rock / AOR scene - Quite Recommended.